Nazareth College is known for having incredible programs that help their students be ready for success starting early on in their career, one being the education program. Whether you’re interested in art, adolescent, early childhood and elementary, music, or special education, Nazareth’s School of Education is the place to be.
I spoke with Alyssa Sands ‘20, to learn more about what it’s like to study education here at Nazareth, and what experiences and opportunities this program has to offer.
As education majors at Nazareth, Alyssa says students will “experience a hands-on, experienced based, learning environment that often involves observing and doing work inside the classroom.” She learns about the history of education and the process it takes in creating lessons, teaching other students, and observing through field work. According to Alyssa, “field work begins early in your academic journey, and every student is required to have at least 100 hours for initial certification” which you earn throughout your four years at Naz.
It’s important to understand that education isn’t a “one size fits all” for students, and Alyssa says Nazareth professors emphasize teaching diversity in instruction. “These lessons are extremely valuable when we begin our field work, as each student in each classroom may have different needs.”
“Nazareth’s education program stands out from others in many ways. For one, it offers four certifications in one bachelor’s degree, which allows us to graduate with certifications in special education, as well as K-12 and grades 3-6, something other schools don’t always offer.” Alyssa says “professors are very hands on in each student’s journey to complete their certifications, and they are fantastic resources that help guide and support us.”
Alyssa found her way into the education program after being involved in the musical theatre program. When she realized that her true passion was helping others and watching them grow, she knew that desire could be fulfilled as a teacher. With siblings who both have special needs and influential teachers in her past, along with the guidance of Nazareth professors and the courses she has completed thus far, she feels she can translate her experiences to help others learn in a safe and nurturing way. Alyssa especially enjoyed taking Emergent Literacy and Language Development, a class that focuses on building early childhood language skills for those with diverse learning needs, because it allowed her to work with children in the classroom and incorporated topics close to her heart.
Nazareth offers further preparation for its education students through Urban Education Initiatives, which includes additional internships, field placements, and professional development opportunities for students who are looking to work in urban schools and communities. Alyssa enjoys working with kids in the area and helping them reach their full potential while doing her field placements. “I look forward to student teaching in the upcoming semesters and having the ability to work alongside a certified teacher in the area, find my own teaching style, and develop skills that I’ll use throughout my future,” she says.
For any incoming students who are looking into becoming a teacher, Alyssa suggests “you find what really drives your passion in education and always try to focus on that. Nazareth’s education program is one that gives you exceptional experience and opportunities, and the requirements and certification processes fully prepare you to enter the classroom. The program will be challenging at times, but it’s absolutely worth it in the end and you’ll be so glad you stuck with it.”